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Topic: 6-in-1 Tomatoes (Read 82238 times)

For years I've been trying to perfect my Chicago-Style Deep-Dish pizza recipe. But, no matter what I tried, I was never able to make a great pizza. Something was always "missing."

Not long ago, I read that the "secret" to making Chicago-Style pizza was in the tomatoes... "6-in-1" brand tomatoes to be more exact.

Being the skeptic that I am I dismissed this claim since canned tomatoes are generally the same. But, I always had this nagging "what if" in the back of my head.

So, I jumped on Escalon's website (http://www.escalon.net) and bought a few cans of their 6-in-1 All-Purpose Ground Tomatoes. When they arrived, I opened a can and tasted the tomatoes, raw, straight out of the can.

I was very surprised how good these tomatoes were. They were certainly the best canned tomatoes that I've ever tasted.

For my next deep-dish pizza, I spooned the tomatoes directly from the can onto the pizza, added some fresh basil, garlic, dried oregano, and parmasean cheese. The pizza got rave reviews. Everyone at the table asked how I made such good sauce.

I've since made about 10 deep-dish pizzas using the 6-in-1 product and each time my guests rave about the sauce. Looks like I'll be buying the 6-in-1 tomatoes by the case now!!

Well the verdict is in, the 6 in 1 tomatoes tasted great. The ground tomatoes with add puree as it said on the label was a perfect consistency for pizza sauce. To get the same thickness with whole tomatoes I had to add tomato paste. Since the can indicated the tomatoes had salt already added I deleted that from my recipe. I think I am hooked on the 6 in 1 brand.

From what I've read, you're supposed to use the unpeeled ground tomatoes. Even Escalon's website says that the unpeeled (all purpose) tomatoes are better for pizza sauce. Here's the text taken directly from their website:

Quote

All-Purpose Ground Tomatoes in Extra-Heavy Puree

This versatile Escalon product has long been a favorite of pizza and pasta operators because of its sweet tomato flavor, bright, natural color and thick, rich consistency. 6 IN 1 contains only vine-ripened, unpeeled ground tomatoes, extra-heavy puree and a touch of salt. It is so versatile that you can use it in everything from soups and salsas to pizza and pasta sauces. 6 IN 1 was Mr. Colombo's personal favorite!

Peeled Ground Tomatoes in Extra-Heavy Puree

Another extremely versatile product, 6 IN 1 Peeled Ground Tomatoes make the perfect base for recipes ranging from traditional red sauces to today's "cucina nuova" dishes. It contains only vine-ripened, peeled ground tomatoes, extra heavy puree and a bit of salt. This product is ideal for dishes where the smooth texture of peeled tomatoes is preferred.

The peeled variety have to be steamed and/or boiled prior to canning in order to remove the tomato skin. This degrades the flavor, in my opinion. The unpeeled tomatoes are ground raw and then canned so none of the flavor is lost.

I just purchased the peeled variety and will do a side-by-side taste comparison when they arrive. I did purchase some of Escalon's "Bella Rosa" brand whole-peeled tomatoes. Tasted nothing like 6-in-1 All-Purpose Ground Tomatoes.

I had not seen that on the site. I think you get an “A” for good detective work. I knew you placed the tomatoes in boiling water to peel. We do that at home with both peaches and tomatoes. When you dip them it doesn’t take long at all. A few moments really. But a side by side taste test would be interesting.You might try adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to your sauce the oil will hold the tomato flavor better after cooking. Have you tried the Penzeys pizza spice. Hand-mixed from: salt, cracked and ground Indian fennel seed, Turkish oregano leaf and powder, garlic, black pepper, sweet California basil, white onion, crushed red pepper and cayenne red pepper powder. http://www.penzeys.com

I have another thread going about this but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents here. I got a case of 6 IN 1 All purpose ground tomatoes with added extra heavy puree a couple days ago. I paid $23 for a case (6 #10 cans, 630 oz. or 39.375 lbs.)

I got unpeeled and I put them through a food mill and they are awesome. I know some of you know this but for those who don't 6in1's are the freshest tomato taste you can get. If there's a brand better I haven't had it. I don't think canned tomatoes can get any better.